Shit just got my electric bill!!

[2anddone]

Just got my electric bill it's gone up £200 compared to this time last year....it's going to get worse isn't it!
I have night storage heating which works on a thermostat and is set to low (17 degrees) plus a log cabin which I need to heat for my work (childcare so have to have heat!). I don't leave lights on unnecessarily, don't have my hot water heater switched on, only run my washing machine and dishwasher when they are full. The tv is on every evening but not in the daytime, don't have a tumble dryer.
I honestly can't see where I can save money on my electric bill (was over £400 this month)

er PP isn't the same as commissioning at all, the exact reactor being used at Hinkley hadn't even been built in 1990
I didn't explain myself well there.

Thing is we KNEW that it was needed back in 1990, I mean Gazza cried in the World Cup semi-final.

Totally agree about the oil as well.

I would love to know how come people back in 1980s supported the wholesale privatisation of EVERYTHING.

I know that people were able to buy a few cheap shares but really, I despair.

And if anyone sees Sid, tell him I want to give him a slap.

@mogsrus

I’ve been saying for yrs at least 25. It should be mandatory to put Pv panels on every new roof built, now we r in serious trouble

Do they still work in the winter? I’m moving to Shetland and would like solar panels but I’ve read they are harmful to the environment (to make and after 20-30 years of use/end of their life)

Is there planned obsolescence with solar panels?

We still have rotting barrels full of radioactive waste in our sea shores, many cancer clusters are being ignored from Sellafield.

Do they still work in the winter? I’m moving to Shetland and would like solar panels but I’ve read they are harmful to the environment (to make and after 20-30 years of use/end of their life)

This might be helpful (sorry if it isn't)

energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/solar-panels/

@StarCat2020 Very true, i get telecoms and finance but not utilities such as water & energy, so much money has gone to shareholders and individuals but not investment.

I feel we squandered NS oil and gas, even now, we wont have a windfall tax, disgraceful.

Yep. Norway used theirs to set up an investment fund for all citizens which is now one of the largest investment funds on the world.

www.nbim.no

And now the same generation that voted for squandering the UK share of it on tax cuts etc want tax rises on the young to pay for their social care, than is underfunded because they voted for low taxes when they were of working age. 🙄😆

@HootOwl - wow!

@AutomaticMoon

Do they still work in the winter? I’m moving to Shetland and would like solar panels but I’ve read they are harmful to the environment (to make and after 20-30 years of use/end of their life)

Yes, they do still work in winter, but production is much lower. Mine went live on the day before the winter solstice, but still provided 20% of the electricity I used in January, and in May/June/July they are expected to produce more than I can use.

There are websites which can help you work out prospective production…. You’re about as far north as you can get in the UK, whereas I’m in Devon. The difference in production from otherwise identical systems would be significant, but you’d need to get some estimates to see if it is still worthwhile.

I confess I didn’t look into the environmental impact of making/disposing of them. Any more than I looked into the environmental impact of gas and coal powered power stations, but I’m sure they have one.

Is there planned obsolescence with solar panels?

I don’t know about planned, but they don’t last for ever. Typical life expectancy is 25 years for panels, 10-15 for the inverter (the bit that converts the DC output of the panels into 240V 50Hz AC and syncs it to the grid.)

But then, nothing lasts for ever.

I cannot insulate anymore in our house,roof,walls & floor have all had it done, double glazed,took out double glazed doors & replaced with solid, so much nicer than D/g, led lighting, & heat reclaim system so no draught from those revolting trickle vents, can’t do any more.

@Diamondsareforever123

I honestly don't think people realise what is going to hit them financially. Those who have money will be OK - they always are. But ordinary families with two average incomes and kids are going to be in dire straits. The knock on effects of the energy price increase are going to be overwhelming - I mean everything we need will go up in price. I read that people who used to donate to food banks two years ago are now using food banks - logically this means that food banks won't get as much stuff donated? I think people are going to starve. I also read that a lot of parents are skipping meals to see their kids are fed. Portugal have elected a socialist government and they have imposed a windfall tax on the energy companies - so no fuel price increase in Portugal....ironically it's a lot warmer in Portugal than here. We have CT, Water rates and fuel increases coming up in April, and there's not enough money to go around. I am worried and terrified in equal amounts.

There's a lot of ordinary families with nowhere near two average wages. I'm worried for us (below £25,000 between us) and more worried for those with less.

AutomaticMoon, a lot depends on the aspect of your roof. We are (thankfully) in the SE UK corner, fairly near the sea, our area had 188 hours of sunlight last year the highest in the UK, we have an unoverlooked bungalows, no trees or building shading, south facing. We were advised the roof had to have this aspect at least from 10am to 4pm, to maximum efficiency. It doesn't have to be brilliant sun for them to work. By the way Shetland looks absolutely gorgeou!

I foresee total catastrophe. We'll be living in a bad sci-fi world of the extreme rich and the extreme poor. I am glad I am not young because the future is looking pretty bleak TBH. Sorry to be a downer but I have racked my brains on this one and can't see any light at the end of the tunnel.